Unemployment increases in Huron County

Published 1:36 pm, Friday, August 22, 2014

UPPER THUMB — The unemployment rate in the Huron County area increased to 8.2 percent in July, according to recent local unemployment data.

The Michigan Thumb Works Labor Market Area increased from 8.6 percent in June to 9.5 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s latest unemployment rate report for the Mid Michigan area.

The Michigan Thumb Works Labor Market Area consists of 12 local market areas, including the Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola labor markets.

The report notes that July unemployment rate hikes were driven by a combination of factors.

“Much of the employment reduction was typical and seasonal, and was recorded in the education-related sectors,” according to Thursday’s report. “Jobs in public and private schools generally fall in July as schools close for the summer break. This causes layoffs of support personnel in education. Additionally, temporary layoffs can occur among auto suppliers in July due to the retooling process in the auto industry.”

Huron

Huron County’s unemployment rate increased from 7.5 percent in June to 8.2 percent in July.

There remains 1,325 people unemployed in the Huron labor market area, which is 125 more than in June, but 275 less than in July 2013, when Huron’s unemployment rate was 10.1 percent.

Over the past year, Huron’s labor force has increased by 175. It ranks 33rd best in the state in unemployment.

Sanilac

The unemployment rate in the Sanilac labor market area increased from 8.7 percent in June to 9.2 percent in July. There remains 1,850 unemployed, which is 125 more than in June, but 425 less than in July 2013, when Sanilac’s unemployment rate was 11.4 percent.

Over the past year, Sanilac’s labor force has increased by 75. It ranks 55th best in the state in unemployment.

Tuscola

The Tuscola labor market area’s unemployment rate increased from 8.7 percent in June to 9.8 percent in July. There remains 2,575 unemployed, which is 275 more than in June, but 600 less than in July 2013, when Tuscola’s unemployment rate was 12.1 percent.

Tuscola’s labor market force increased over the past year by 100. It ranks 62nd best in the state, out of Michigan’s 83 counties.

Michigan

Statewide, the unemployment rate in July increased from 7.9 percent to 8.6 percent. There remains 415,000 unemployed in Michigan as of July.